THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. 209 



esteemed ; its flavour is thought to resemble that of 

 excellent pork, though by some it has been rather 

 compared to beef. Hunting this animal is a favourite 

 amusement in the countries of its resort ; a party 

 proceed in a small boat to its haunt, furnished with a 

 harpoon, to which is attached a stout line ; when the 

 weapon is infixed, the creature dives ; in the mean- 

 while the boat is rowed ashore, and the Manatee, 

 €x»hausted by its efforts to escape, is drawn on land 

 by the cord, and despatched. Many of its habits are 

 exceedingly interesting ; it is fond of sporting in the 

 water, and leaping from the surface in the manner of 

 the true Cetacea. Such is the attachment evinced by 

 these animals for each other, that it is said, when one 

 is harpooned, the rest of the herd will assemble, and 

 endeavour to drag out the harpoon with their teeth. 

 When basking on the shore, the young are collected 

 into the centre of the group for protection, and if a 

 calf has been killed, the mother will suffer herself to 

 be secured without effort ; while, on the other hand, 

 if the dam be taken, the young will follow the boat 

 to the shore. 



p 2 



